When I was a child, my father sat me down and told me where I came from. No, I am not talking about the dreaded birds-and-the-bees talk (although that conversation might have been more comfortable). Rather, my father explained that he was born in Havana, Cuba, the same year that Fidel Castro wrestled power away from the dictator Fulgencio Batista.

Castro implemented a communist regime that still cripples the island to this day. My family refused to accept a life under a strongman who possessed little regard for basic human rights. He told me how our family left everything behind and immigrated to the United States in order to take a chance on democracy. They arrived in the U.S. with three suitcases filled with clothes, family photos and important documents. Nothing else. From those humble beginnings, our family integrated into the fabric of American society.

After I learned the story of my origin, I discovered an eternal gratitude for living in the United States.

I am currently at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where I am enrolled in a seminar taught by Dean Emeritus Joseph Tomain entitled, "Democracy in Contemporary America." In this class, we study the critical documents of American history, discuss the merits of democracy, and wonder whether Americans are disillusioned with our government. The opinions found in our class range the political spectrum, leading to contentious debate. While the tension may reach boiling points at time, we never lose respect for the opinions of our peers. For this reason, I truly appreciate this environment.

However, our class does not represent the state of American politics. America is angry. America is less trusting of our local and national leaders. Americans argue that democracy is in danger. Both the Democratic and Republican bases possess an energized vigor previously unseen.

Democrats, who were shell-shocked by the election of President Trump, want control Congress. Republicans, who witnessed the contentious Kavanaugh confirmation, seem poised to stage a sturdy defense in key battleground districts. While this political climate is unsustainable, I believe a silver lining exists: Citizens now feel emboldened to march to the ballot box.

My father likened the right to vote as that of a sacred gift. Several countries around the world do not hold free elections, and many countries prevent citizens from voicing their opinions openly. The Founders of the United States created a mechanism where citizens openly cast a ballot for political candidates. Now, at the time of the founding, this right only extended to white, property-owning men. However, contemporary America has expanded this right to a broader category of citizens.

The right to vote rests on its lofty perch in the pantheon of democratic hallmarks. I urge everyone, regardless of political affiliation, to vote. Vote for yourself, your children, and your ancestors (who possibly did not have your privilege).

However, people typically take this sacred gift for granted. Citizens fail to vote for a variety of reasons. I believe this apathetic stance towards voting is a result of the fact that our country has never faced a real threat to democracy from within. The current political climate could lead to a crisis on our own turf. The stability of our democracy relies on individuals protecting their basic rights. We hold our future in our hands.

Last week, Dean Tomain posed this question to our group: "After November 6 will the United States be more democratic?” According to projections, voters should turn out to the ballot box at an unprecedented level. I cannot forecast how our elected officials will behave in Congress, so I was unable to answer the question with conviction. However, I do know that voting is a beautiful act that projects the will of the country. We must cherish this right. Democracy requires our constant attention, as we are the only ones who stand watch as its guardians.

Alexander Valdes is a third-year law student at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.